Governor Pete Ricketts honored Nebraska Vietnam veterans during a special Capitol ceremony held Thursday morning on National Vietnam Veterans Day in America
“The Vietnam War was one of those wars where it was very difficult for our service members to serve our country,” Ricketts said to a packed room of veterans. “Many of them came home and did not receive the welcome that they deserved.”
Approximately 64,000 Nebraskans served in the Vietnam War, which ended in 1975.
Few were greeted as heroes upon their return to the United States. Instead, many felt the sting of protestors who denounced their service in what the protestors cast as an immoral war.
Nebraska Adjutant General Daryl Bohac thanks the veterans for their service. “But maybe just as important as the thanks are the words, ‘Welcome home,’” Bohac says. “This last September, right here in Lincoln, we will proud to support the efforts of Bill and Yvonne Williams to create a Welcome Home event for our Vietnam veterans. Hundreds, if not thousands, of Nebraskans turned out at the Lincoln airport for that event. (They) turned out to tell you something really important. And let me add my voice to that effort. Welcome home, gentlemen. Thank you for your service.”
Veterans in attendance received a special commemorative pin. Their spouses did as well.